Interiorly-ventilated fireproof wall.



No. 769,257. I PATENTED SEPT. 6, 1904. L. D. EWING.

INTERIORLY VENTILATED PIREPROOP WALL.

APPLICATION FILED 001.12, 1903. N0 MODEL. 2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

WITNESSES: M YEA/TOR xmmmm QQW MAW/M57 PATENTED SEPT. 6, .1904.

L. D. EWING. INTERIORLY VENTILATED PIREPROOF WALL.

APPLICATION FILED OOT. 12 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEETZ.

N0 MODEL.

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wmvzssss "Y J7 M M- Marv/Mars {UNITED STATES Patented September 6, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

LEWIS D. EVV ING, OF AKRON, OHIO.

lNTERlORLY-VENTILA'TED FIREPROOF WALL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 769,257, dated September 6, 1904.

A man-.1 51 Octoberl2. 1903.

To all whmn it may concern:

Be it known that I, LEWIS D.'EwINe, a citizen ofthe United States of America, residing at Akron, in the county of Summit and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Interiorly-Ventilated FireproofWalls; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable othersskilled in the art to whichit pertains to make and use the same.

This inventionrelates to an interiorlyven tilated fireproof wall, and pertains more especially toa fireproof wall composed of building-blocks of hardened concrete or cementi tious material.

One object of this invention is to construct a wall of the character indicated which is ventilated by air passage-ways which extendfrom within the lower portion of the said wall upwardly through the wall and communicate at both ends with the external atmosphere at the outer side of the wall, so as to establish a circulation vertically through the said portion of and thereby ventilate the wall and maintain the Wall in a dry condition.

Another object is not only to provide the inner portion of the said wall interiorly with airchambers for the purpose. of rendering the Wall as far as inexpensively practicable a nonconductor of heat, cold, and sound, but alsoto;

establish a circulation of moisture-absorbing -air through the outer portion of the wall and independently of the said air-chambers.

Another object is to prevent the ingress into the outer ventilating passage-ways of the wall of birds and other matter which would beliable to obstruct or impede'the operation of the said passage-ways were they to pass into the said passage-ways.

Another object is to ventilate the wall above and below a window with which the wall is to form an air passage-way extending around distance.

Serial No. 176,581. (No model.)

the window and placed in communication with the external atmosphere at the outer side of the wall.

-VVith these objects in view and to the end of realizing other advantages hereinafter appearing this invention consists in certain features of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

g In the accompanying drawings, Fignrel is a transverse vertical section on line 1 1, Fig. 2, of a fireproof wall embodying myinvention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation in section online 2 2, Fig. 1, looking outwardly. Portions are broken away in Figs. 1 and 2 to reduce the size of the drawings. Fig. 3 is a top plan in section on line 3 3, Fig. 2. Fig. l is a top plan in section on linee t, Fig.- 2. Fig. 5 is abottom plan in section on line 5 5, Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a bottom plan in section on line 6 6, Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a plan ofone of the building-blocks used in the main in constructing my improved wall, and Fig. 8 is an end View of the said block.

Referring to the drawings, A designates the foundation of my improved wall, which foundation extends in the usual manner a suitable distance above as well as below the gradeline Gr.

B represents the water-table o'n-the foundation A, and G designates the cornice or top of my improved upright Wall D, which eX-' tends from the table B upwardly a suitable The wall D is shown provided with a window K, which is formed in any approved manner, and E represents the windowframe of the said window, which frame has bearing at the bottom upon an artificial stone F, which is arranged horizontally below and longitudinally of the sill e of the said frame and participates in the formation of'the wall.

Thebuilding-blocks employed in building up the foundation A, the water-table B, and the wall D and'iits cornice C are composed, preferably, of hardened concrete or cementitious material and, except a limited number of blocks employed in forming the surrounding walls of the said 'windowframe-contain ing aperture ofthe wall, are assembled so as to break joints, as' shown in Fig; 2, wherein J represents joints between adjacent blocks in the same layer of blocks, and so that adjacent blocks of the lower of two horizontal layers of blocks will be equidistantly overlapped on top by a block of the upper of the said layersthat is, each joint J, formed between adjacent-blocks of the lower of two horizontal layers of blocks, is central between the ends of a block of the upper of the said layers. Each building-block participating in the formation of the joints J is provided in its outer portion and also in its inner portion with a pair of comparatively large corresponding vertically-arranged openings (Z and (Z, which, as shown very clearly in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, are arranged a suitable distance apart andin line longitudinally of the block and equidistantly from opposite ends, respectively, of the block. The said block is provided centrally between the openings of each pair of openings (Z and centrally between the ends of the block with a hole 6, which extends Vertically through the block. The said block is provided in each end thereof and adjacent the outer end of each opening (Z with a recessf, which extends vertically through the block, and the relative arrangement of the recesses f, holes 0, and openings (Zof the block is such that adjacent recesses f in adjacent ends of adjacent blocks of a layer of blocks register with each other, that each hole (2 in each block of the upper of two adjacent layers of blocks registers with reeessesf in the adjacent ends of the two blocks in the lower of the said layers, as shown in Fig. 2, when the blocks of the said layers are assembled so as to break joints, as hereinbefore described, and that the openings of each pair ofopenings (Z of adjacent blocks in a layer of blocks register with the different openings, respectively, of the adjacent pair of openings (Z of an adjacent block or blocks in the adjacent layer or layers of blocks. Each block employed in forming the uppermost layer of blocks next below the cornice (J, which covers the openings (Z, holes a, and recessesf in the said blocks, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, is provided at the top and at the outer side of the openings (Z, hole c, and re-' cesses f in the outer portion of the block with lateral screened apertures It, connecting the said last-mentioned recessesf, hole 6, and openings (Z with the external atmosphere, and the screens 1', which screen the said apertures, prevent the ingress of birds or anything else large enough to obstruct the said outer openings, hole, and recesses, which screens are preferably embedded within the cementitious mate rial or concrete composing the said block when the block is molded. Each block employed in forming the water-table B projects beyond the outer side of the foundation A and is provided in the bottom thereof and at the outer side of the recesses f, hole 0, and openings (Z of the said outer portion of the said block with recesses or apertures Z, which, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 6, are arranged transversely of the said block and extend from the lower surface of the block at the outer side of the foundation A inwardly and connect with the said openings (Z, hole 6, and recesses f of the block and establish communication between the said recesses, hole, and openings and the external atmosphere, and the said block is provided at its underside and at the outer side of the foundation A with a groove 15, extending longitudinally and from end to end of the block, and each aperture 7 of the said block communicates at its outer end with the said groove. The aperturesl are preferably screened by screens a, which prevent the ingress of birds and other matter into the openings (Z, holes (2, and recesses f in the outer portions of the blocks which form the water-table.

By the construction hereinbefore described it will be observed that the openings (J, holes and recesses f, formed in the outer portions of the building-blocks employed in forming the wall D, are for ventilating purposes, and

the passage-ways which are formed in the,

outer portion of the said wall by the said openings, holes, and recesses, except the passageways below the stone or block Fand above the flat arch H, which forms the top wall of the window -frame-containing aperture, extend from within the water-table upwardly to the cornice and communicate with the external atmosphere at the bottom of the water-table and next below the cornice. Hence a circulation of air vertically through the outer portion of the wall D is provided at each side of the window K, and the said wall is ventilated and kept in a dry condition. The currents of air thus passing through the outer portion of the wall D are valuable in cold weather because they absorb moisture, and therefore keep the wall dry, and in warm weather the said currents of air materially participate in keeping the wall in a cool condition.

It is obvious that the location of a window K in the wall 1) interrupts the extension of some air passage-m1ys from the water-table to the cornice. The stone or block F, which forms a base for the sill of the windowframe E, projects beyond the outer side of the adjacent portions of the wall D and, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 5, is provided in its under side with apertures 41*, which are arranged transversely of the said side of the said base and communicate at their outer ends with a groove 1 formed in and extending longitudinally and from end to end of the said side of the said base, which groove communicates with the external atmosphere at the outer side of any building block or blocks next below the said base, and the aforesaid apertures a; open at their inner ends into a groove .2, which is formed in the under side and extends from end to end of the said base and communicates with the openings (Z, hole 0, and recesses f in the outer portions of the said last-mentioned block or blocks. Hence a circulation of air vertically through the outer portion of the wall D-below the Window isestablished. The apertures ware preferably screened by screens 8, "appliedin'any approved manner.

Each building-block arranged next above the arch H is, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4,

tween the said last-mentioned recesses, hole, 1

and openings and the external atmosphere, and the screens a, which screen thesaid apertures,- are applied in any approved manner.

It-is obvious, therefore, that a circulation of air vertically through the outer portion of the wall Dabove the window K is established;

The openings d, hole-c, and recesses f in the-inner portions of the building-blocks employed in the formation of thewall D form air-chambers which render the wall as far as practicable a non-conductor of heat, cold, and sound and also render the wall lighter than it would be were it not provided with said airchambers.

The building-blockswhich form the cornice C are preferably chambered, as at p, in' their under side next above the openings 01, holes 6, and recesses f of the blocks next below the cornice.

One of the building-blocks mainly employed in the construction of the wall D is shown isolated in Figs. 7 and 8 and provided in each end thereof with shallow cavities g, which are useful in receiving-mortar or cement in applying the latter to the adjacent ends of ad jacent blocks in the construction of the wall D, and thereby forminga more effective bond 1 between the said blocks. 1

The building-blocks composing the arch (see Figs. 1 and 2) are interiorly and longitu H are provided at the-bottom with apertures M, arranged to establish communication between the passage-ways Q, and the passageway I. The base F is providedin the ends thereof with vertical openings R, which establish communication between the passage-ways Q and the'groove .2. I arch H are provided in the top thereof with apertures T, establishing communication be-- tween the passage-way I and openings (Z in the building-blocks next above the arch. It will be observed; therefore, that ventilation within the wall D completely around the window-frameis established.

The end blocks of the Vl' h atI'claim i's '1. In combination, the foundation, the war-- ter-table on'the foundation, and awall extending upwardly from the table, and the said table and the said wail'being composed of' buildingblocks which are provided with openings or holes extending vertically therethrougli and arranged to form passage-ways which extend from within the table upwardly into the wall a suitable distance and communicate, at the upperends, with the external atmosphere at the outer side of the wall, and the building- V blocks composing the table being provided, at their under sides, with apertures opening into the said passage-ways and being in communication with theexternal atmosphere.

2. In combination. the foundation, the water-table on the foundation, and a wall extending upwardly from the table, and the said wall being composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes extending vertically'therethrough and arranged to form passage-ways extending frornwithin the lower portion of the wall to the cornice and communicating at-their lower ends with the external atmosphere, and the building-blocksn'ext below the cornice being provided with apertures establishing communication between the said passage-ways and the external atmosphere.

the wall extending between the table and the cornice, and the said table and the said wall;

being composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes extending ver tically therethro ugh and arranged to form passage-ways extending from within the table to the cornice, and the blocks next below the cornice being provided with apertures opening into the said passage-ways and communicating with the externalatmosphere, and the blocks composing the table-being provided with apertures openinginto the said passage-ways and being in communication with the external at mosphere. V

4:. The combination of the foundation, the water-table on the foundation, and a wall extending upwardly from thetable, and the said table and the said wall being composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes arranged to form passage-ways which extend from within the'table upwardly a suitable distance and communicate, at their upper ends, with the external atmosphere, and the blocks composing the table being provided, intheir under sides and at "the outer side of the foundation, with grooves which extend longitudinally of the blocks, and having apertures establishing communication between the aforesaid passage-Waysand the'said grooves. I I ,7

5; An upright wall having its outer portion exposed to the external atmosphere and composed of building-blocks provided, 'in their inner portions, with openings or holes extending vertically through the blocks and arranged to form air-chambers extending up and down interiorly of theinner portion of the wall, which blocks are provided, in their outer portions, with openings or holes extending vertically through the blocks and arranged to form passage-ways extending up and down interiorly of the outer portion of the wall. and the said last-mentioned passageways being in communication above and below with the external atmosphere.

6. The combination of the foundation, the water-table on the foundation, the-wall extending upwardly from the water-table and provided with a window, and the said table and the said wall between the window and the table being composed of building blocks which are provided with openings or holes extending vertically therethrough and arranged to form passage-ways extending from within the table upwardly into the wall below the window, and the said passage-ways communicating with the external atmosphere at the bottom of the table and below and in suitable proximity to the window.

7. The combination of the foundation, the water-table on the foundation. and a wallextending upwardly from the table and provided with a window, and the said wall being composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes arranged to form passage-ways extending from the table upwardly into suitable proximity to the window, and communicating at the table and adjacent the window with the external atmosphere.

8. The combination of an upright wallhaving a window and abovethe said window being composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes extending vertically therethrough and arranged to form passage-ways extending from above and adjacent the window upwardly a suitable distance and communicating above and below with the external atmosphere.

9. The combination of an upright wall provided with a window and having an arch arranged over the window, which wall above the arch is composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes extending vertically therethrough and arranged to form passage-ways extending upwardly from the said arch, which passage-ways communicate with the external atmosphere at the top of the arch and at their upper ends.

10. The combination of an upright wall provided with a window and having an arch arranged over the window, which wall above the arch is composed of building-blocks which are provided with openings or holes extei'iding vertically therethrough and arranged to form passageways extending upwardly from the said arch, which passage-ways communicate, at their upper ends, with the external atmosphere, and the blocks next above thearch being provided, in their under side, with apertures which connect at their inner ends with the aforesaid passage-ways and communicate at their outer ends with the external atmosphere.

11. The combination of a wall provided with a window, which wall comprises buildingblocks suitably arranged around the window and interiorly chambered to form passageways arranged to ventilate the said wall interiorly around the window, which passageways are in communication with the external atmosphere at the top and bottom of the window.

12. An upright wall having its outer side exposed to the external atmosphere and provided with air-chambers extending up and down interiorly of the inner portion of the wall, and the said wall being also provided with passage-ways which extend up and down interiorly of the outer portion of the wall and communicate, at their upper and lower ends, with the external atmosphere.

13. The combination of the foundation, the water-table on the foundation, the cornice, and the wall extending between the table and the cornice and provided interiorly with passage-ways extending from the table to the cornice and communicating at their lower ends and at the cornice with the external atmosphere.

14. An upright wall having a window and provlded, above and below the window and interiorly, with upright passage-ways communicating at their ends with the external atmosphere.

15. An upright wall having a window and provided, above and below the window and interiorly, with upright passage-ways communicating at their upper and lower ends with the external atmosphere at the outer side of the wall.

In testimony whereof I sign the foregoing specification, in the presence of two witnesses, this 26th day of September, 1903, at Cleveland, Ohio.

LE\VIS D. EVVlNU.

\Vitnesses:

C. H. Donna, G. M. HAYES. 

